Butterbur extract is made from a small herb native to Europe and Asia, also known as Western coltsfoot, and valued for its use as a natural migraine remedy. All parts of the plant are used to make the extract including the leaves, flowers and rhizomes. The entire plant was traditionally used as a demulcent to soothe coughing, but recent evidence suggests butterbur may be beneficial for individuals suffering from migraine headaches.
Butterbur Extract for Migraines
Butterbur contains a group of chemical compounds called petasins, which are known to relax blood vessels, reduce inflammation and smooth muscles within the body. Because of these properties, the butterbur herb may benefit people with migraines. A study published in the 2004 volume of Neurology found that butterbur extract reduced the symptoms, frequency and duration of attacks in individuals with migraines more effectively than placebo.
A second study published in European Neurology the same year confirms the findings of the earlier study. Patients taking butterbur extract for at least four weeks experienced less frequent migraine headache attacks. This study suggests that the herb may be beneficial as a preventative measure for individuals prone to experiencing migraines and as a treatment for symptoms. In most cases, the butterbur was well-tolerated by all patients.
Butterbur Extract Dosage
Most commonly, butterbur extract is available in capsules standardized to contain about 7.5 milligrams of the active ingredient, petasine, per capsule, and may also be sold as Petasites hybridus extract. This type of extract is recommended because the pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may cause liver damage have been removed. Typical dosage is one to two capsules up to three times per day, not to exceed 75 milligrams per day, but its best to consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner for a safe dosage before taking the herb.
Butterbur Side Effects
Individuals taking butterbur extract may experience mild intestinal complaints such as burping, but no other side effects are known as long as the pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been removed. These alkaloids may cause serious liver damage, liver failure or even death when they are present. Always purchase a standardized extract with these alkaloids removed to avoid serious harm. There are also no known drug interactions with butterbur, but always consult a physician prior to taking the supplement if you're taking prescription medications.
References:
Lipton RB, Gobel H, Einhaupl KM, et al. Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine. Neurology 2004;63:2240-4.
Diener HC, Rahlfs VW, Danesch U. The First Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Special Butterbur Root Extract for the Prevention of Migraine: Reanalysis of Efficacy Criteria. Eur Neurol 2004;51:89-97
Cindy Ausbrooks - Cindy Ausbrooks is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She enjoys herbalism, natural medicine, animals, crafts, ...
